Fact Checked
Overview Of Chemical Burns
- Chemicals that touch the skin might cause a reaction on the skin. Chemical burns might affect the internal tissues if the chemicals are consumed.
- If somebody consumes a chemical, immediately examine their mouth for wounds or burns.
- Do not offer anything by mouth unless told to do so by a poison control expert. If the casualty is unconscious, phone for an ambulance.
Causes Of Chemical Burns
- Acids and bases cause most of the chemical burns that people experience. Strong acids can lead to serious burns.
- Caustic burns are also caused by acids and bases.
- Chemical burns can take place at home, work, school, or any place where chemicals are handled.
A few products that can cause chemical burns are:
- Bleach;
- Cleaning products;
- Battery acid;
- Ammonia; and
- Pool chemicals.
Symptoms Of Chemical Burns
Symptoms of chemical burns might fluctuate depending on how the person received the burn. Burns as a result of swallowing chemicals will be treated differently than burns that affect the skin. The symptoms from a chemical burn might be subject to some of the following:
- How long the person was affected by the chemical.
- If the chemical was swallowed or inhaled.
- If there were any open cuts or wounds when the chemical touched the skin.
- The location of where the chemical touched the skin.
- How strong the chemical is.
- If the chemical was a gas, liquid, or solid